Boss Aqua: Our Union Ain't a Personality Cult (and you ain't our boss)!

If you don't know it by now, as a union steward, I will work with anyone who wants to serve our coworkers—especially those who are in ATU Local 308 bargained for jobs.

But the union misleaders only work with stewards, members and officers who they prefer. Loyalty to union officials is rewarded with cooperation to the membership. 

That is against the ATU Constitution Obligation and Preamble. That is unethical. That is wrong. 

One of them, Sister Aqua Fisher, is running for Second Vice President. As demonstrated in a previous article, I prove—from first-hand experience—that she is totally unqualified for the job. You can view numerous public posts I wrote on Facebook, exposing her for cynical and cruel behavior towards coworkers.

She has proven herself unqualified once again.

Just yesterday—in a response to my criticism of her disrespect for members' privacy and my support of opponent Brother James Battle—and tried to discredit my premise by saying I was "texting" her. 

Here is the log of October 2023 text messages that she is describing:

Here is what she just wrote in comments on the private ATU Local 308 Facebook Group (one of the few she is not an admin and cannot ban me like she did on others):

So because I do not approve of her as an officer nor candidate, I cannot "reach out" to her as a steward?

I cannot inform her regarding the Truth and lives or careers of coworkers who she is supposed to serve? Are we a union or a personality cult? Some weird fraternity thing about being loyal friends?

I do not let this crap get in the way of service to the membership. 

In fact, I don't let it get in the way of justice, even for her!

She demands respect, but insults me and others. For years I tolerated her cursing me out, sneering and slander. But I was quiet until I became a steward and had to clean up her mess. Countless members call me to complain about her mistreatment.  

Recently, I spoke up and voted for arbitration in defense of a grievance she submitted at the membership meeting! I criticized the cruel mismanagement at the same meeting for writing her up! In fact, if she was fired unjustly—like most of us are—I would be on the corner with my bullhorn if I was off and awake. 

I have also defended Brother Ken Franklin's grievance. I have even voted for his bylaw revision proposals. Why? Because I believed they were just and good for our union! I don't give a damn if his name is on it. If it's right, it's right! 

He never, ever supports a damn thing I—or anyone I work with—motion or propose. In fact, he fights everything I motion or submit! I can only imagine how many of my grievances and complaints he wanted to trash.

Do I let personal issues get in the way of Truth and Justice for him, "Boss" Aqua or the membership? Hell no!

Sister Aqua's opponent, Brother James Battle, doesn't let our conflicts get in the way of it either. Unlike Sister "Boss" Aqua, he sees no contradiction in working with me when it comes to removing workplace hazards for membership!

Just like Brother Ken Franklin, she won't even apologize for the members she has let down. 

I do it alot as a steward. It sucks when a member who I help cannot keep their job. I'd say possibly half of those I help don't get justice. But hell, I try to fight and put my reputation on the line to defend them unconditionally! Not shame them online! Not talk about their cases at Howard Terminal! Not be a boss and tell them to "just follow the rules."

Yes, I am like fire on her and all other elected people. That is our duty as members! They work for us. Not the other way around. She has been in all kinds of positions and we have the same result: A personality cult "clique" that hurts all of us.

Please elect Brother James for 2nd Vice President. Being able to work with difficult members and find common ground is a trait of excellent leadership. He has demonstrated it over and over. Our "Boss" Aqua has not.